How many patients opt for breast reconstructions?

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Though studies have shown that women who choose to have breast
reconstructions (BRs) after mastectomies have better psychological outcomes,
researchers in California have determined that many women choose not to
undergo BR, often due to a lack of knowledge of the procedure.

A team of scientists at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California, recently examined thousands of
medical histories in order to determine the state's rate of post-mastectomy BR, which they put at 29 percent.

The study's authors said that while a BR rate of nearly one in three is good, it could be significantly higher, especially
considering that the Women’s Health and Cancer
Rights Act of 1998 made it mandatory for insurance providers to cover reconstruction after mastectomies.

Researchers searched the inpatient database of the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development in order to break down BR recipients by age, race and other factors.

They found that patients who are the most likely to choose a BR are younger Caucasian women with private
insurance. The team suggested that education campaigns might be able to show the public that BRs can help women
of all ages and backgrounds overcome the physical and psychological effects of a mastectomy.

Extract:
Though studies have shown that women who choose to have breast reconstructions (BRs) after
mastectomies have better psychological outcomes, researchers in California have determined that many
women choose not to undergo BR, often due to a lack of knowledge of the procedure.

MENTOR® MemoryGel® Breast Implants, MemoryShape® Breast Implants, and Saline-filled Breast Implants are indicated for breast augmentation – in women who are at least 22 years old for MemoryGel® Implants and MemoryShape® Implants, and at least 18 years old for Saline Breast Implants - or for breast reconstruction. Breast implant surgery should not be performed in women with active infection anywhere in their body; with existing cancer or pre-cancer of their breast who have not received adequate treatment for those conditions, or who are currently pregnant or nursing.

The most common complications with MemoryGel® Implants, MemoryShape® Implants, and Saline-filled Breast Implants include reoperation, capsular contracture, asymmetry, breast pain, implant removal, wrinkling, ptosis, and implant rupture and deflation. Detailed information regarding the risks and benefits associated with MemoryGel® Implants and MemoryShape® Implants is provided in patient brochures available from your surgeon or on line at www.mentorwwllc.com. For more complete safety information click here.